100% natural with no nitrates, nitrites, or other additives, Parma Ham is a healthier choice for a balanced diet

In the current climate of “quick fix” health tips and wellness culture, it can be difficult to understand which food choices will contribute towards a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet. Parma Ham is a product with Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.) status, that can contribute to a balanced diet without compromising on flavour.

Unlike many other pork-based products, Parma Ham is 100% natural and aged over time with only 2 ingredients: Italian pork and sea salt. Over the last few years, the Parma Ham Consortium has used technological innovations to reduce the amount of salt in the production process by 15%.

As a cured product, Parma Ham remains free of additives, preservatives, nitrates, or nitrites, with natural sea salt aiding in its unique texture, flavour, and aroma.

Parma Ham’s sweet and light flavour is also credited to the small amount of healthy lipids which aid the absorption of key vitamins. This healthy fat content is unsaturated as a result of the stringent regulations surrounding Parma Ham production, including the strict use of pork breeds that have been born and raised in Italy with monitored feed and all-natural production methods.

Parma Ham’s high nutritional value makes it an excellent choice for those from all walks of life, including children, athletes, the elderly, and those who find it difficult to digest proteins.

Some of Parma Ham’s nutritional values are listed below:

• Parma Ham contains healthy fats allowing for consumption with minimal health risks. Not only does it aid in the digestion of vitamins, but it also contains a high number of essential vitamins, including B1, B6, B12, and PP.
• Prosciutto di Parma contains a good amount of minerals, including zinc, copper, iron, and selenium, the latter of which is an essential antioxidant to protect the immune system.
• Parma Ham is safe for consumption while pregnant and/or breastfeeding. It is also ideal for new mothers due to its nutritional density and high digestibility.
• Another great benefit is Parma Ham’s high protein content with free amino acids, which are vital in building muscle, aiding growth in children, and strengthening the elderly.
• More than 20% of the total amount of protein in Parma Ham consists of free amino acids, making it a highly digestible cured ham.

How to eat Parma Ham

Opting for Parma Ham as an alternative ingredient in a range of popular recipes is a great way to maintain a balanced diet – such as chicken wrapped with Parma Ham – will ensure the right balance of nutrients and vitamins as part of a healthy diet.

Alternatively, Parma Ham is a delicious option to pair with other ingredients as a snack or starter.

Parma Ham and Melon

A classic Italian pairing, the contrast from the sweetness of the melon and the salty flavours of Parma Ham creates a unique flavour making for a delicious pairing.

Parma Ham and Figs

An easy to prepare snack, enhanced when paired with balsamic vinegar or blue cheese.

Parma Ham and Cheese

The ideal snack or canape, a perfect pairing of salty ingredients, try Parma Ham with some classic Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Gorgonzola, or Mozzarella.

About Parma Ham

Parma Ham is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product that is 100% natural, free of nitrites and nitrates. The drying process that Parma Ham goes through creates a ham that is very low in fat content, with many mineral salts, vitamins, antioxidants, and easily digestible proteins. This makes Prosciutto di Parma a food that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Prosciutto di Parma is made with only 2 ingredients – Italian pork and sea salt – and is exclusively produced in the hills around Parma using all-natural production methods that have been handed down for generations.

Parma Ham’s unique taste is dependent on the traditional production process passed down over the centuries, which is carefully quality checked by an independent certification body to ensure every leg of ham is of the highest quality. At the end of the ageing period, each leg of ham is individually quality-checked by an independent inspector, who inserts a horse bone into 5 different points of the ham and smells it to ensure it is appropriately matured.

It is only hams that have passed these checks that can be awarded the fire-branded stamp of the Ducal crown – a five-pointed coronet logo with PARMA in the centre. The Ducal Crown is now a certification trademark, which is also present on pre-sliced packs of Parma Ham.

To support a local Parma Ham Specialist deli in your area, visit: https://specialist.prosciuttodiparma.com/